Thursday, October 18, 2012

Antique sewing box

I have zero ability when it comes to sewing.  I'm not saying that I can't turn drapes into a wardrobe for the entire family a la Maria Von Trapp in the Sound of Music. I'm saying that one time I attempted to hem a pair of pants and ended up with a huge hole in the thigh.

Despite that, I love all the accoutrements that go with sewing.  I love the idea of creating something beautiful.  I love the feel of gorgeous fabrics.  My sister is a quilter and she makes the most wonderful handmade creations.  I see old fashioned sewing machines and I'm filled with a sense of nostalgia (I have no idea why...  I don't remember my mother or grandmother ever sewing either).

I found this antique sewing box at an estate sale several years ago.  Initially, I didn't even know that it was a sewing box.  I just loved its simple elegance.  Of course, in my house, it holds nothing related to sewing... Instead, it's filled with little things that I have found over the years that have captured my attention, although I don't always understand why.  Maybe one day, I'll draw the things inside as well...



This was a quick sketch done with a Rotring pen with water soluble ink. I used my waterbrush to blur the edges a bit.  I liked the watery, black and white technique to represent the old-fashioned feel of this piece.  (And, I was quite proud of myself for resisting the urge to use any color!)

Linking to Paint Party Friday!



17 comments:

  1. It looks great! I'm not sure I've ever seen a sewing box like this. Very nice.

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  2. I love using pen with water and this is so awesome I want to get them out and play... now... and a painting is the best use of anything to do with sewing in my book... the thought of sewing makes me want to rush to the medicine cabinet to get the band aids at the ready... and get the ambulance of speed dial... such a blood sport... luckily good old Phantom is a bit of a dab hand... yet more proof she is some weird alien dropped into my life ...xx

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  3. Wonderful sewing box! I do not enjoy sewing either, with hand it is sooo slow and with the machine it is tooo technical and complicated. But I really admire all things made by hand and people who do sew! :) HPPF!

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  4. Your sewing box sounds and looks very special. It is nice to be able to appreciate all the wonderful creative aspects of something even if it isn't necessarily something that is in our skill set. What I think is great is that we all have our own unique gifts and talents which we can share with the world. Thank you for sharing your gifts with us.

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  5. Well done and very 'zen' ~ enjoy ~ ( A Creative Harbor) ^_^

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  6. I am rubbish at sewing too - so great to meet a fellow fabric destroyer! I had such trouble with knots in my cotton and things coming unravelled!

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  7. I am totally the same as you with sewing. Drawn to fabrics - the colors the feel of them. Love to see what others can do with textile art - but I can't sew a straight line for anything. But, we can always admire what others can do. Lovely sewing box. Happy PPF

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  8. My grandmother had that sewing box as you call it in her sewing room where she turned out incrediable dresses for herself. I loved to play in her button box and happily have the sewing bug and ability which I put to work making art quilts when the spirit moves me! Fun reading your story and seeing your rendition of the box.

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  9. Sweet work!
    I actually have an antique wooden sewing box, too!
    My mom is a brilliant sewer, and I really admire that...but it is not my strength. :)
    ♥♥♥
    Happy PPF!!
    Mary
    Mixed-Media Map Art

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  10. I don't sew either but I so admire those who do. Love that you can admire the tools and supplies and memorialize them like you did in this lovely piece. Happy PPF!

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  11. neat! I recently saw someone else to watercolor pencil in only black. I think not using color adds something interesting and I need to try it!

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  12. I love antiques like this, lovely piece.

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  13. I love the style in which you have painted, perfect for this gorgeous sewing basket.

    I love the IDEA of sewing ;)

    Karenx

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  14. This is done in a beautiful, new technique for me. I did sew as a child and young adult but I have never caught the bug. I really dislike sewing. I keep mending materials around so I can sew on buttons, repair a ripped seam, etc. I love how you've created this lovely piece of art.

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  15. Very nice, soft and beautiful!! I hope you will explore that passion you have for old machines and sewing boxes... Seriously do it...don't wait until you're too old. Jump out of your box take a little night course or something...please delve into that feeling and see where it takes you!! We are a vessel of unexplored gifts and talent....please heed these feeling you have!!

    Hugs Giggles

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  16. What a lovely unique illustration, I must try this technique.
    Sewing is part of my creative process but I still haven't used my embroidery mode on my new sewing machine, instead have been just doing it the old fashioned way.....by hand. Thanks for sharing this technique, very intrigued.

    Annabelle m^._.^m ~^..^~

    P.s. Curious to see the treasures inside the sewing box ; )

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